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Abstract
Purpose of Review The population of HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children is expanding rapidly, and over one million HEU infants are born each year globally. Several recent studies have reported that HEU children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are at risk of poor outcomes, including impaired growth and neurodevelopment. However, the reasons for poor clinical outcomes amongst HEU children remain unclear. Recent Findings We summarise the findings from recent large studies that have characterised growth and neurodevelopment in HEU children, identified risk factors and explored underlying mechanistic pathways. We propose a conceptual framework to explain how exposure to HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) may lead to adverse growth and neurodevelopment in uninfected children, and review the available evidence and research gaps. Summary We propose that HEU children are affected both indirectly, through the augmentation of universal risk factors underlying poor growth and neurodevelopment, and directly through HIV/ART-specific pathways, which ultimately may converge through a series of common pathogenic mechanisms. In the era of universal ART, a better understanding of these pathways is crucial to inform future prevention and intervention strategies.
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Iturra PA, Rojas DA, Pérez FJ, Méndez A, Ponce CA, Bonilla P, Bustamante R, Rodríguez H, Beltrán CJ, Vargas SL. Progression of Type 2 Helper T Cell-Type Inflammation and Airway Remodeling in a Rodent Model of Naturally Acquired Subclinical Primary Pneumocystis Infection. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 188:417-431. [PMID: 29169991 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Subclinical primary Pneumocystis infection is the most common pulmonary infection in early infancy, making it important to determine whether it damages the lung. Pneumocystis peaks at 2 to 5 months of age, when respiratory morbidity coincidently increases. We have documented that Pneumocystis increases mucus production in infant lungs, and animal models reveal lung lesions that warrant characterization. Herein, immunocompetent rats infected at birth with Pneumocystis by cohabitation, to resemble community-acquired infection, underwent lung assessments at 45, 60, and 75 days of age. Lungs fixed by vascular perfusion to prevent collapse during necropsy were used for morphometry evaluations of mucus production, airway epithelial thickening, perivascular and peribronchiolar inflammation, and structural airway remodeling. Changes in these histologic features indicate lung disease. Selected immune markers were assessed in parallel using fresh-frozen lung tissue from sibling rats of the same cages. Sequential activation of NF-κB and an increased Gata3/T-bet mRNA level ratio, consistent with a type 2 helper T-cell-type inflammatory response, and subacute fibrosis were recognized. Therefore, documenting subclinical Pneumocystis infection induces lung disease in the immunocompetent host. Taken together with the peak age of primary Pneumocystis infection, results warrant investigating the clinical impact of this often subclinical infection on the severity of respiratory diseases in early infancy. This model can also be used to assess the effects of airway insults, including coinfections by recognized respiratory pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo A Iturra
- Microbiology and Mycology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Chile School of Medicine, Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego A Rojas
- Microbiology and Mycology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Chile School of Medicine, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco J Pérez
- Microbiology and Mycology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Chile School of Medicine, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrea Méndez
- Microbiology and Mycology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Chile School of Medicine, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina A Ponce
- Microbiology and Mycology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Chile School of Medicine, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paula Bonilla
- Microbiology and Mycology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Chile School of Medicine, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rebeca Bustamante
- Microbiology and Mycology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Chile School of Medicine, Santiago, Chile
| | - Héctor Rodríguez
- Anatomy and Developmental Biology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Chile School of Medicine, Santiago, Chile
| | - Caroll J Beltrán
- Gastroenterology Division, University Hospital, University of Chile School of Medicine, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sergio L Vargas
- Microbiology and Mycology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Chile School of Medicine, Santiago, Chile.
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Nankabirwa V, Tumwine JK, Namugga O, Tylleskär T, Ndeezi G, Robberstad B, Netea MG, Sommerfelt H. Early versus late BCG vaccination in HIV-1-exposed infants in Uganda: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2017; 18:152. [PMID: 28359325 PMCID: PMC5374628 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-1881-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination may have nonspecific effects, i.e., effects on childhood morbidity and mortality that go beyond its effect on the risk of childhood tuberculosis (TB). Though the available scientific literature is mostly from observational studies, and is fraught with controversy, BCG vaccination at birth may protect infants in high-mortality populations against serious infections other than TB. Yet, other studies indicate that giving BCG later in infancy may modify immune responses to non-TB antigens and potentially enhance immunity, potentially also against tuberculosis (TB). It is unclear whether BCG vaccination very early in life offers adequate protection against TB and other infections among HIV-1-exposed children because even those who remain uninfected with HIV-1 show signs of impaired immunocompetence early in infancy. This study will compare BCG vaccination at birth with BCG vaccination at 14 weeks of age in HIV-1-exposed infants. Methods This is an individually randomized controlled trial in 2200 HIV-1-exposed infants. The intervention is BCG vaccination within 24 h of birth while the comparator is BCG given at 14 weeks of age. The study co-primary outcomes are severe illness in the first 14 weeks of life, and production of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and interferon-γ in response to mycobacterial and nonmycobacterial antigens. The study is being conducted in three health centers in Uganda. Discussion A well-timed BCG vaccination could have important nonspecific effects in HIV-1-exposed infants. This trial could inform the development of appropriate timing of BCG vaccination for HIV-1-exposed infants. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02606526. Registered on 12 November 2015. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-1881-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Nankabirwa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. .,Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, .
| | - James K Tumwine
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Olive Namugga
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen
| | - Thorkild Tylleskär
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen
| | - Grace Ndeezi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bjarne Robberstad
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Halvor Sommerfelt
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen.,Global Women and Children's Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Ruck C, Reikie BA, Marchant A, Kollmann TR, Kakkar F. Linking Susceptibility to Infectious Diseases to Immune System Abnormalities among HIV-Exposed Uninfected Infants. Front Immunol 2016; 7:310. [PMID: 27594857 PMCID: PMC4990535 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants experience increased overall mortality from infectious causes when compared to HIV-unexposed uninfected (HU) infants. This is the case in both the resource-rich and resource-limited settings. Here, we explore the concept that specific types of infectious diseases that are more common among HEU infants could provide clues as to the potential underlying immunological abnormalities. The most commonly reported infections in HEU vs. HU infants are caused by encapsulated bacteria, suggesting the existence of a less effective humoral (antibody, complement) immune response. Decreased transplacental transfer of protective maternal antibodies has consistently been observed among HEU newborns, suggesting that this may indeed be one of the key drivers of their susceptibility to infections with encapsulated bacteria. Reassuringly, HEU humoral response to vaccination appears to be well conserved. While there appears to be an increase in overall incidence of acute viral infections, no specific pattern of acute viral infections has emerged; and although there is evidence of increased chronic viral infection from perinatal transmission of hepatitis C and cytomegalovirus, no data exist to suggest an increase in adverse outcomes. Thus, no firm conclusions about antiviral effector mechanisms can be drawn. However, the most unusual of reported infections among the HEU have been opportunistic infections, suggesting the possibility of underlying defects in CD4 helper T cells and overall immune regulatory function. This may relate to the observation that the immunological profile of HEUs indicates a more activated T cell profile as well as a more inflammatory innate immune response. However, both of these observations appear transient, marked in early infancy, but no longer evident later in life. The causes of these early-life changes in immune profiles are likely multifactorial and may be related to in utero exposure to HIV, but also to increased environmental exposure to pathogens from sicker household contacts, in utero and postnatal antiretroviral drug exposure, and, in certain circumstances, differences in mode of feeding. The relative importance of each of these factors will be important to delineate in an attempt to identify those HEU at highest risk of adverse outcomes for targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Ruck
- Department of Pediatrics, BC Women's and Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC , Canada
| | - Brian A Reikie
- Department of Surgery, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, MB , Canada
| | - Arnaud Marchant
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles , Charleroi , Belgium
| | - Tobias R Kollmann
- Department of Pediatrics, BC Women's and Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC , Canada
| | - Fatima Kakkar
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal , Montréal, QC , Canada
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Evans C, Jones CE, Prendergast AJ. HIV-exposed, uninfected infants: new global challenges in the era of paediatric HIV elimination. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2016; 16:e92-e107. [PMID: 27049574 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(16)00055-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Revised: 01/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The number of infants infected with HIV is declining with the rise in interventions for the elimination of paediatric HIV infection, but the number of uninfected infants exposed to HIV through their HIV-infected mothers is increasing. Interest in the health outcomes of HIV-exposed, uninfected infants has grown in the past decade, with several studies suggesting that these infants have increased mortality rates, increased infectious morbidity, and impaired growth compared with HIV-unexposed infants. However, heterogeneous results might reflect the inherent challenges in studies of HIV-exposed, uninfected infants, which need large populations with appropriate, contemporaneous comparison groups and repeated HIV testing throughout the period of breastfeeding. We review the effects of HIV exposure on mortality, morbidity, and growth, discuss the immunological abnormalities identified so far, and provide an overview of interventions that could be effective in this susceptible population. As the number of infants infected with HIV declines, the health needs of HIV-exposed, uninfected infants should be prioritised further, to ensure that post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals are achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceri Evans
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Christine E Jones
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Andrew J Prendergast
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Kelly MS, Wirth KE, Steenhoff AP, Cunningham CK, Arscott-Mills T, Boiditswe SC, Patel MZ, Shah SS, Finalle R, Makone I, Feemster KA. Treatment Failures and Excess Mortality Among HIV-Exposed, Uninfected Children With Pneumonia. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2015; 4:e117-26. [PMID: 26582879 PMCID: PMC4681380 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piu092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed, uninfected (HIV-EU) children are at increased risk of infectious illnesses and mortality compared with children of HIV-negative mothers (HIV-unexposed). However, treatment outcomes for lower respiratory tract infections among HIV-EU children remain poorly defined. METHODS We conducted a hospital-based, prospective cohort study of N = 238 children aged 1-23 months with pneumonia, defined by the World Health Organization. Children were recruited within 6 hours of presentation to a tertiary hospital in Botswana. The primary outcome--treatment failure at 48 hours--was assessed by an investigator blinded to HIV exposure status. RESULTS Median age was 6.0 months; 55% were male. One hundred fifty-three (64%) children were HIV-unexposed, 64 (27%) were HIV-EU, and 20 (8%) were HIV-infected; the HIV exposure status of 1 child could not be established. Treatment failure at 48 hours occurred in 79 (33%) children, including in 36 (24%) HIV-unexposed, 30 (47%) HIV-EU, and 12 (60%) HIV-infected children. In multivariable analyses, HIV-EU children were more likely to fail treatment at 48 hours (risk ratio [RR]: 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-2.64, P = .001) and had higher in-hospital mortality (RR: 4.31, 95% CI: 1.44-12.87, P = .01) than HIV-unexposed children. Differences in outcomes by HIV exposure status were observed only among children under 6 months of age. HIV-EU children more frequently received treatment with a third-generation cephalosporin, but this did not reduce the risk of treatment failure in this group. CONCLUSIONS HIV-EU children with pneumonia have higher rates of treatment failure and in-hospital mortality than HIV-unexposed children during the first 6 months of life. Treatment with a third-generation cephalosporins did not improve outcomes among HIV-EU children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Kelly
- Botswana–UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Divisions of Global Health
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kathleen E. Wirth
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew P. Steenhoff
- Botswana–UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Divisions of Global Health
- Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Coleen K. Cunningham
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Tonya Arscott-Mills
- Botswana–UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | | | | | - Samir S. Shah
- Divisions of Hospital Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio
| | - Rodney Finalle
- Divisions of Global Health
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | | | - Kristen A. Feemster
- Divisions of Global Health
- Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Adler C, Haelterman E, Barlow P, Marchant A, Levy J, Goetghebuer T. Severe Infections in HIV-Exposed Uninfected Infants Born in a European Country. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135375. [PMID: 26284528 PMCID: PMC4540431 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several studies indicate that HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children have a high infectious morbidity. We previously reported an increased incidence of group B streptococcus (GBS) infections in HEU infants born in Belgium. Methods This study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of all cause severe infections in HEU infants born in Belgium between 1985 and 2006, including the pre-antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis era (1985 to 1994). The medical charts of 537 HEU infants followed in a single center were reviewed. Results The incidence rate of severe infections during the first year of life was 16.8/100 HEU infant-years. The rates of invasive S. pneumoniae (0.62/100 infant-years) and GBS infections (1.05/100 infant-years) were, respectively, 4 and 13-fold higher in HEU infants than in the general infant population. Preterm birth was a risk factor for severe infections in the neonatal period (aOR = 21.34, 95%CI:7.12–63.93) and post-neonatal period (aHR = 3.00, 95%CI:1.53–5.88). As compared to the pre-ARV prophylaxis era, infants born in the ARV prophylaxis era (i.e., after April 1994) had a greater risk of severe infections (aHR = 2.93; 95%CI:1.07–8.05). This risk excess was present in those who received ARV prophylaxis (aHR 2.01, 95%CI 0.72–5.65) and also in those born in the ARV prophylaxis era who did not benefit from ARV prophylaxis as a result of poor access to antenatal care or lack of compliance (aHR 3.06, 95%CI 0.88–10.66). Conclusions In HEU infants born in an industrialized country, preterm birth and being born during the ARV prophylaxis era were risk factors of severe infections throughout the first year of life. These observations have important implications for the clinical management of HIV-infected mothers and their infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Adler
- Pediatric Department, St Pierre University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Patricia Barlow
- Obstetrical Department, St Pierre University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Marchant
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Jack Levy
- Pediatric Department, St Pierre University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Tessa Goetghebuer
- Pediatric Department, St Pierre University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
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Church JA, Fitzgerald F, Walker AS, Gibb DM, Prendergast AJ. The expanding role of co-trimoxazole in developing countries. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2015; 15:327-39. [PMID: 25618179 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(14)71011-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Co-trimoxazole is an inexpensive, broad-spectrum antimicrobial drug that is widely used in developing countries. Before antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale-up, co-trimoxazole prophylaxis reduced morbidity and mortality in adults and children with HIV by preventing bacterial infections, diarrhoea, malaria, and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, despite high levels of microbial resistance. Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis reduces early mortality by 58% (95% CI 39-71) in adults starting ART. Co-trimoxazole provides ongoing protection against malaria and non-malaria infections after immune reconstitution in ART-treated individuals in sub-Saharan Africa, leading to a change in WHO guidelines, which now recommend long-term co-trimoxazole prophylaxis for adults and children in settings with a high prevalence of malaria or severe bacterial infections. Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis is recommended for HIV-exposed infants from age 4-6 weeks; however, the risks and benefits of co-trimoxazole during infancy are unclear. Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis reduces anaemia and improves growth in children with HIV, possibly by reducing inflammation, either through direct immunomodulatory activity or through effects on the intestinal microbiota leading to reduced microbial translocation. Ongoing trials are now assessing the ability of adjunctive co-trimoxazole to reduce mortality in children after severe anaemia or severe acute malnutrition. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms of action, benefits and risks, and clinical trials of co-trimoxazole in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Church
- Centre for Paediatrics, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - A Sarah Walker
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, London, UK
| | - Diana M Gibb
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew J Prendergast
- Centre for Paediatrics, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, London, UK; Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe.
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de Deus N, Moraleda C, Serna-Bolea C, Renom M, Menendez C, Naniche D. Impact of elevated maternal HIV viral load at delivery on T-cell populations in HIV exposed uninfected infants in Mozambique. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:37. [PMID: 25645120 PMCID: PMC4320465 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-0766-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV-uninfected infants born to HIV-infected mothers (HIV-exposed uninfected, HEU) have been described to have immune alterations as compared to unexposed infants. This study sought to characterize T-cell populations after birth in HEU infants and unexposed infants living in a semirural area in southern Mozambique. Methods Between August 2008 and June 2009 mother-infant pairs were enrolled at the Manhiça District Hospital at delivery into a prospective observational analysis of immunological and health outcomes in HEU infants. Infants were invited to return at one month of age for a clinical examination, HIV DNA-PCR, and immunophenotypic analyses. The primary analysis sought to assess immunological differences between HEU and unexposed groups, whereas the secondary analysis assessed the impact of maternal HIV RNA viral load in the HEU group. Infants who had a positive HIV DNA-PCR test were not included in the analysis. Results At one month of age, the 74 HEU and the 56 unexposed infants had similar median levels of naïve, memory and activated CD8 and CD4 T-cells. Infant naïve and activated CD8 T-cells were found to be associated with maternal HIV-RNA load at delivery. HEU infants born to women with HIV-RNA loads above 5 log10 copies/mL had lower median levels of naïve CD8 T-cells (p = 0.04), and higher median levels of memory CD8 T-cells, (p = 0.014). Conclusions This study suggests that exposure to elevated maternal HIV-RNA puts the infant at higher risk of having early T-cell abnormalities. Improving prophylaxis of mother to child HIV programs such that more women have undetectable viral load is crucial to decrease vertical transmission of HIV, but may also be important to reduce the consequences of HIV virus exposure in HEU infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilsa de Deus
- National Institute of Health, Maputo, Mozambique. .,Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique.
| | - Cinta Moraleda
- Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique. .,Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Rossello 132, 4°, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Celia Serna-Bolea
- Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Rossello 132, 4°, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Montse Renom
- Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique. .,Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Rossello 132, 4°, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Clara Menendez
- Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique. .,Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Rossello 132, 4°, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Denise Naniche
- Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique. .,Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, C/Rossello 132, 4°, Barcelona, Spain.
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Katz IT, Leister E, Kacanek D, Hughes MD, Bardeguez A, Livingston E, Stek A, Shapiro DE, Tuomala R. Factors associated with lack of viral suppression at delivery among highly active antiretroviral therapy-naive women with HIV: a cohort study. Ann Intern Med 2015; 162:90-9. [PMID: 25599347 PMCID: PMC4299931 DOI: 10.7326/m13-2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A high delivery maternal plasma HIV-1 RNA level (viral load [VL]) is a risk factor for mother-to-child transmission and poor maternal health. OBJECTIVE To identify factors associated with detectable VL at delivery despite initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) during pregnancy. DESIGN Multicenter observational study. (ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT00028145). SETTING 67 U.S. AIDS clinical research sites. PATIENTS Pregnant women with HIV who initiated HAART during pregnancy. MEASUREMENTS Descriptive summaries and associations among sociodemographic, HIV disease, and treatment characteristics; pregnancy-related risk factors; and detectable VL (>400 copies/mL) at delivery. RESULTS Between 2002 and 2011, 671 women met inclusion criteria and 13.1% had detectable VL at delivery. Factors associated with detectable VL included multiparity (16.4% vs. 8.0% nulliparity; P = 0.002), black ethnicity (17.6% vs. 6.6% Hispanic and 6.6% white; P < 0.001), 11th grade education or less (17.6% vs. 12.1% had a high school diploma; P = 0.013), initiation of HAART in the third trimester (23.9% vs. 12.3% and 8.6% in the second and trimesters, respectively; P = 0.003), having an HIV diagnosis before the current pregnancy (16.1% vs. 11.0% during the current pregnancy; P = 0.051), and having the first prenatal visit in the third trimester (33.3% vs. 14.3% and 10.5% in the second and third trimesters, respectively; P = 0.002). Women who had treatment interruptions or reported poor medication adherence were more likely to have detectable VL at delivery. LIMITATION Data on many covariates were incomplete because women entered the study at varying times during pregnancy. CONCLUSION A total of 13.1% of women who initiated HAART during pregnancy had detectable VL at delivery. The timing of HAART initiation and prenatal care, along with medication adherence during pregnancy, were associated with detectable VL at delivery. Social factors, including ethnicity and education, may help identify women who could benefit from focused efforts to promote early HAART initiation and adherence. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid T. Katz
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Erin Leister
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Deborah Kacanek
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michael D. Hughes
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Arlene Bardeguez
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Livingston
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alice Stek
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - David E. Shapiro
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ruth Tuomala
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Carrascosa MF, Mones JC, Salcines-Caviedes JR, Román JG. A man with unsuspected marine eosinophilic gastritis. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2014; 15:248. [PMID: 25467651 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(14)70892-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel F Carrascosa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Laredo, Laredo, Cantabria, Spain.
| | | | | | - Javier Gómez Román
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Pathology Department, University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Faculty of Medicine, Santander, Cantabria, Spain
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Kakkar F, Lamarre V, Ducruet T, Boucher M, Valois S, Soudeyns H, Lapointe N. Impact of maternal HIV-1 viremia on lymphocyte subsets among HIV-exposed uninfected infants: protective mechanism or immunodeficiency. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:236. [PMID: 24885498 PMCID: PMC4024098 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports of increased morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases among HIV Exposed Uninfected (HEU) infants have raised concern about a possible underlying immunodeficiency among them. The objective of this study was to assess the immunological profile of HEU infants born to mothers exhibiting different levels of HIV-1 viremia at the time of delivery. METHODS Study subjects were enrolled in the Centre maternel et infantile sur le SIDA (CMIS) mother-child cohort between 1997 and 2010 (n =585). Infant CD4+ T cell, CD8+ T cell and CD19+ B cell counts were assessed at 2 and 6 months of age, and compared among HEU infants in groups defined by maternal viral load (VL) at the time of delivery (VL < 50 copies/ml, VL 50-1000 copies/ml, and VL > 1000 copies/ml) in a multivariable analysis. RESULTS At 2 months of age, infants born to mothers with VL > 1000 copies/ml had lower CD4+ T cell counts compared to those born to mothers with VL < 50 copies/ml at the time of delivery (44.3% versus 48.3%, p = 0.007, and 2884 vs. 2432 cells/mm3, p = 0.02). These differences remained significant after adjusting for maternal and infant antiretroviral drug use, gender, race and gestational age, and persisted at 6 months of age. There were no differences in CD8+ T cell count or absolute CD19+ B cell count between groups, though higher CD19+ B cell percentage was seen among infants born to mothers with VL > 1000 copies/ml. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that exposure to high levels of HIV-1 viremia in utero, even in the absence of perinatal transmission, may affect the infant's developing immune system. While further work needs to be done to confirm these findings, they reinforce the need for optimal treatment of HIV infected pregnant women, and careful follow-up of HEU infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Kakkar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1C5, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Centre maternel et infantile sur le SIDA, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Valerie Lamarre
- Division of Infectious Diseases, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1C5, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Centre maternel et infantile sur le SIDA, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Thierry Ducruet
- Unité de recherche clinique appliquée, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marc Boucher
- Centre maternel et infantile sur le SIDA, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Silvie Valois
- Centre maternel et infantile sur le SIDA, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Hugo Soudeyns
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Unité d’immunopathologie virale, Centre de recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Normand Lapointe
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Centre maternel et infantile sur le SIDA, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
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Abstract
Most infants born to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women escape HIV infection. Infants evade infection despite an immature immune system and, in the case of breastfeeding, prolonged repetitive exposure. If infants become infected, the course of their infection and response to treatment differs dramatically depending upon the timing (in utero, intrapartum, or during breastfeeding) and potentially the route of their infection. Perinatally acquired HIV infection occurs during a critical window of immune development. HIV's perturbation of this dynamic process may account for the striking age-dependent differences in HIV disease progression. HIV infection also profoundly disrupts the maternal immune system upon which infants rely for protection and immune instruction. Therefore, it is not surprising that infants who escape HIV infection still suffer adverse effects. In this review, we highlight the unique aspects of pediatric HIV transmission and pathogenesis with a focus on mechanisms by which HIV infection during immune ontogeny may allow discovery of key elements for protection and control from HIV.
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Karpelowsky J, Millar AJW. Surgical implications of human immunodeficiency virus infections. Semin Pediatr Surg 2012; 21:125-35. [PMID: 22475118 DOI: 10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2012.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a pandemic predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa. Approximately 2.2 million children aged less than 15 years are infected with HIV, representing almost 95% of the total number of children globally infected with HIV. Therefore, increasing numbers of HIVi or -exposed but uninfected children can be expected to require a surgical procedure to assist in the diagnosis of an HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related complication, to address a life-threatening complication of the disease, or for routine surgery encountered in HIV-unexposed children. HIVi children may present with both conditions unique to HIV infection and surgical conditions routine in pediatric surgical practice. HIV exposure confers an increased risk of complications and mortality for all children after surgery, whether they are HIV infected or not. This risk of complications is higher in the HIVi group of patients. These findings seem to be independent of whether patients undergo an elective or emergency procedure, but the risk of an adverse outcome is higher for a major procedure. Surgical implications of HIV infection are comprehensively reviewed in this article.
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Dauby N, Goetghebuer T, Kollmann TR, Levy J, Marchant A. Uninfected but not unaffected: chronic maternal infections during pregnancy, fetal immunity, and susceptibility to postnatal infections. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2012; 12:330-40. [PMID: 22364680 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(11)70341-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chronic infections during pregnancy are highly prevalent in some parts of the world. Infections with helminths, Trypanosoma cruzi, Plasmodium spp, and HIV might affect the development of fetal immunity and susceptibility to postnatal infections independently of in-utero transmission of the pathogens. Fetal adaptive immune responses are common in neonates who have been exposed to maternal infection during pregnancy but not infected themselves. Such responses could affect the development of immunity to the homologous pathogens and their control during the first few years of life. Fetal innate and regulatory responses might also affect immunity to unrelated pathogens and responses to vaccines. Strategies to improve child health should integrate the possible clinical implications of in-utero exposure to chronic maternal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Dauby
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Charleroi, Belgium
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Karpelowsky JS, Millar AJW, van der Graaf N, van Bogerijen G, Zar HJ. Outcome of HIV-exposed uninfected children undergoing surgery. BMC Pediatr 2011; 11:69. [PMID: 21801358 PMCID: PMC3161858 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2431-11-69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-exposed uninfected (HIVe) children are a rapidly growing population that may be at an increased risk of illness compared to HIV-unexposed children (HIVn). The aim of this study was to investigate the morbidity and mortality of HIVe compared to both HIVn and HIV-infected (HIVi) children after a general surgical procedure. METHODS A prospective study of children less than 60 months of age undergoing general surgery at a paediatric referral hospital from July 2004 to July 2008 inclusive. Children underwent age-definitive HIV testing and were followed up post operatively for the development of complications, length of stay and mortality. RESULTS Three hundred and eighty children were enrolled; 4 died and 11 were lost to follow up prior to HIV testing, thus 365 children were included. Of these, 38(10.4%) were HIVe, 245(67.1%) were HIVn and 82(22.5%) were HIVi children.The overall mortality was low, with 2(5.2%) deaths in the HIVe group, 0 in the HIVn group and 6(7.3%) in the HIVi group (p = 0.0003). HIVe had a longer stay than HIVn children (3 (2-7) vs. 2 (1-4) days p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in length of stay between the HIVe and HIVi groups. HIVe children had a higher rate of complications compared to HIVn children, (9 (23.7%) vs. 14(5.7%) (RR 3.8(2.1-7) p < 0.0001) but a similar rate of complications compared to HIVi children 34 (41.5%) (RR = 0.6 (0.3-1.1) p = 0.06). CONCLUSION HIVe children have a higher risk of developing complications and mortality after surgery compared to HIVn children. However, the risk of complications is lower than that of HIVi children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Karpelowsky
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
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18
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Epalza C, Goetghebuer T, Hainaut M, Prayez F, Barlow P, Dediste A, Marchant A, Levy J. High incidence of invasive group B streptococcal infections in HIV-exposed uninfected infants. Pediatrics 2010; 126:e631-8. [PMID: 20732944 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The occurrence of an unusual number of group B streptococcal (GBS) infections in HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants who were followed in our center prompted this study. The objective of this study was to describe and compare the incidence and clinical presentation of GBS infections in infants who were born to HIV-infected and -uninfected mothers. METHODS All cases of invasive GBS infections in infants who were born between 2001 and 2008 were identified from the database of HEU infants and from the microbiology laboratory records. The medical charts of all infants with GBS infection were reviewed. RESULTS GBS invasive infections were described for 5 (1.55%) infants who were born to 322 HIV-infected mothers who delivered in our center. The incidence of GBS infections during the same period was 16 (0.08%) of 20 158 infants who were born to HIV-uninfected mothers. One HEU infant presented a recurrent infection 28 days after completion of treatment for the first episode. Late-onset infection was more frequent in HEU infants (5 of 6 vs 2 of 16 episodes in the control population). The diseases were also more severe in HEU infants with 5 of 6 sepsis or sepsis shock in HEU infants versus 10 of 16 in control subjects, and most HEU infants had leukopenia at onset of infection. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of GBS infection was significantly higher in HEU infants than in infants who were born to HIV-uninfected mothers. These episodes of GBS sepsis in HEU infants were mostly of late onset and more severe than in the control population, suggesting an increased susceptibility of HEU infants to GBS infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Epalza
- Pediatric Department, St Pierre University Hospital, and Institute for Medical Immunology, Free University of Brussels, 322 rue Haute, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
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Goussard P, Kling S, Gie RP, Nel ED, Heyns L, Rossouw GJ, Janson JT. CMV pneumonia in HIV-infected ventilated infants. Pediatr Pulmonol 2010; 45:650-5. [PMID: 20575098 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.21228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The contributing role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in infants treated for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) is unknown. High dose steroids used in the treatment of PJP may further immunocompromise these infants contributing to the development of CMV pneumonia. AIM The aim of this study was to determine the role of CMV pneumonia in infants being ventilated for suspected PJP. METHODS In this prospective study HIV infected infants being treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) and ventilated for suspected PJP were included if they had not responded to treatment. Open lung biopsy was performed if there was no improvement in ventilatory requirements. RESULTS Twenty-five HIV positive infants with a mean age of 3.3 months were included. Lung biopsy was performed in 17 (68%) and post-mortem lung tissue was obtained in 8 (32%). After evaluation of the histology, immunohistochemistry, and viral cultures from lung tissue, the most likely causes of pneumonia were: CMV and PJP dual infection 36% (n = 9), CMV pneumonia 36% (n = 9), and PJP 24% (n = 6). The pp65 test for CMV antigen was falsely negative in 24%. The mean blood CD4 count was 287/microl. There was an association between the CD4 lymphocyte status and the final diagnosis, with the CMV and PJP group (CD4 110/microl) having the lowest CD4 status (P = 0.0128). Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) mortality was 72% (n = 18) and in hospital mortality 88%. CONCLUSION Of the ventilated infants failing to respond to treatment, 72% had histologically confirmed CMV pneumonia, probably accounting for the high mortality in this cohort. The incidence of CMV disease in HIV infected infants being ventilated for severe pneumonia warrants that ganciclovir is used empirically until CMV disease is excluded. The role of lung biopsy in these circumstances needs to be researched.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Goussard
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa.
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20
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Abstract
The increasing success of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission programmes means that in Africa, very large numbers of HIV-exposed, uninfected (HIV-EU) children are being born. Any health problems that these children may have will thus be of enormous public health importance, but to date have been largely neglected. There is some evidence that HIV-EU African children are at increased risk of mortality, morbidity and slower early growth than their HIV-unexposed counterparts. A likely major cause of this impaired health is less exposure to breast milk as mothers are either less able to breastfeed or stop breastfeeding early to protect their infant from HIV infection. Other contributing factors are parental illness or death resulting in reduced care of the children, increased exposure to other infections and possibly exposure to antiretroviral drugs. A broad approach for psychosocial support of HIV-affected families is needed to improve health of HIV-EU children. High quality programmatic research is needed to determine how to deliver such care.
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McNally LM, Jeena PM, Gajee K, Thula SA, Sturm AW, Cassol S, Tomkins AM, Coovadia HM, Goldblatt D. Effect of age, polymicrobial disease, and maternal HIV status on treatment response and cause of severe pneumonia in South African children: a prospective descriptive study. Lancet 2007; 369:1440-1451. [PMID: 17467514 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(07)60670-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-related pneumonia is the main cause of paediatric hospital admissions in southern Africa. We aimed to measure predictors of treatment failure and the cause of non-responsive pneumonia in children admitted to hospital with severe pneumonia in Durban, South Africa. METHODS We investigated 358 children aged 1-59 months who presented with WHO-defined severe or very severe pneumonia. Children were recruited irrespective of HIV status and started on a standard antimicrobial regimen of benzylpenicillin and gentamicin. All infants also received high-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The primary outcome measure was treatment failure at 48 h. FINDINGS 242 (68%) children were HIV infected, 41 (12%) HIV exposed, uninfected, and 75 (21%) HIV uninfected. Failure to respond by 48 h was predicted by age under 1 year (adjusted odds ratio 6.38, 95% CI 2.72-14.91, p<0.0001), very severe disease (2.47, 1.17-5.24, p=0.0181), HIV status (HIV infected 10.3, 3.26-32.51; HIV exposed, uninfected 6.02, 1.55-23.38; p=0.0003), and polymicrobial disease (one organism 2.06, 1.05-4.05; two organisms 10.75, 4.38-26.36; p<0.0001) on logistic regression analysis. All children with three organisms failed treatment. 72/110 treatment failures had at least two organisms isolated. Three of nine HIV-exposed, uninfected infants, 29/74 HIV-infected, but no HIV-uninfected infants who failed study therapy had Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. INTERPRETATION For children younger than 1 year, the WHO guidelines are inadequate and need to be revised since both HIV-infected and HIV-exposed, uninfected infants had more treatment failures than did HIV-uninfected infants. Polymicrobial disease is an important reason for treatment failure, and we need to identify rapid low-cost diagnostic methods to assist clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M McNally
- Centre for International Child Health and Development, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Prakash M Jeena
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kavitha Gajee
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Stanley A Thula
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - A Willem Sturm
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sharon Cassol
- MRC Unit for Inflammation and Immunity, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Andrew M Tomkins
- Centre for International Child Health and Development, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Hoosen M Coovadia
- Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - David Goldblatt
- Immunobiology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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McNally LM, Jeena PM, Lalloo U, Nyamande K, Gajee K, Sturm AW, Goldblatt D, Tomkins AM, Coovadia HM. Probable mother to infant transmission of Pneumocystis jiroveci from an HIV-infected woman to her HIV-uninfected infant. AIDS 2005; 19:1548-9. [PMID: 16135912 DOI: 10.1097/01.aids.0000183941.67730.3a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Duesberg P, Koehnlein C, Rasnick D. The chemical bases of the various AIDS epidemics: recreational drugs, anti-viral chemotherapy and malnutrition. J Biosci 2003; 28:383-412. [PMID: 12799487 DOI: 10.1007/bf02705115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In 1981 a new epidemic of about two-dozen heterogeneous diseases began to strike non-randomly growing numbers of male homosexuals and mostly male intravenous drug users in the US and Europe. Assuming immunodeficiency as the common denominator the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) termed the epidemic, AIDS, for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. From 1981-1984 leading researchers including those from the CDC proposed that recreational drug use was the cause of AIDS, because of exact correlations and of drug-specific diseases. However, in 1984 US government researchers proposed that a virus, now termed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is the cause of the non-random epidemics of the US and Europe but also of a new, sexually random epidemic in Africa. The virus-AIDS hypothesis was instantly accepted, but it is burdened with numerous paradoxes, none of which could be resolved by 2003: Why is there no HIV in most AIDS patients, only antibodies against it? Why would HIV take 10 years from infection to AIDS? Why is AIDS not self-limiting via antiviral immunity? Why is there no vaccine against AIDS? Why is AIDS in the US and Europe not random like other viral epidemics? Why did AIDS not rise and then decline exponentially owing to antiviral immunity like all other viral epidemics? Why is AIDS not contagious? Why would only HIV carriers get AIDS who use either recreational or anti-HIV drugs or are subject to malnutrition? Why is the mortality of HIV-antibody-positives treated with anti-HIV drugs 7-9%, but that of all (mostly untreated) HIV-positives globally is only 1.4%? Here we propose that AIDS is a collection of chemical epidemics, caused by recreational drugs, anti-HIV drugs, and malnutrition. According to this hypothesis AIDS is not contagious, not immunogenic, not treatable by vaccines or antiviral drugs, and HIV is just a passenger virus. The hypothesis explains why AIDS epidemics strike non-randomly if caused by drugs and randomly if caused by malnutrition, why they manifest in drug- and malnutrition-specific diseases, and why they are not self-limiting via anti-viral immunity. The hypothesis predicts AIDS prevention by adequate nutrition and abstaining from drugs, and even cures by treating AIDS diseases with proven medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Duesberg
- Donner Laboratory, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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Vargas SL, Hughes WT, Santolaya ME, Ulloa AV, Ponce CA, Cabrera CE, Cumsille F, Gigliotti F. Search for primary infection by Pneumocystis carinii in a cohort of normal, healthy infants. Clin Infect Dis 2001; 32:855-61. [PMID: 11247708 DOI: 10.1086/319340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2000] [Revised: 07/26/2000] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine whether Pneumocystis carinii is associated with clinical illness in the competent host, 107 normal, healthy infants were enrolled in a 2-year prospective cohort study in Chile. P. carinii was identified by specific stains and nested--deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) amplification of the large subunit mitochondrial ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene of P. carinii f. sp. hominis, and seroconversion was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of serum samples drawn every 2 months. P. carinii DNA was identified in nasopharyngeal aspirates obtained during episodes of mild respiratory infection in 24 (32%) of 74 infants from whom specimens were available for testing. Three (12.5%) of those 24 infants versus 0 of 50 infants who tested negative for P. carinii had apnea episodes. Seroconversion developed in 67 (85%) of 79 infants who remained in the study by 20 months of age and occurred in the absence of any symptoms of disease in 14 (20.8%). The study indicates that P. carinii DNA can be frequently detected in healthy infants, and it raises the hypothesis that they may be an infectious reservoir of P. carinii in the community. Further investigation is needed to identify whether P. carinii causes overt respiratory disease in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Vargas
- Program in Microbiology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicus, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Morgan DJ, Vargas SL, Reyes-Mugica M, Walterspiel JN, Carver W, Gigliotti F. Identification of Pneumocystis carinii in the lungs of infants dying of sudden infant death syndrome. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2001; 20:306-9. [PMID: 11303835 DOI: 10.1097/00006454-200103000-00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently Pneumocystis carinii has been identified in a significant number of infants diagnosed as having died from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in South America and Europe. METHODS We examined lung sections of 79 infants who died with a diagnosis of SIDS in Rochester, NY, and Connecticut for the presence of P. carinii. RESULTS Organisms with a characteristic silver stain appearance for P. carinii were identified in 14% of the lung sections. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that a possible link between some cases of SIDS and infection with P. carinii should be further evaluated and that infection of young infants may serve as an important reservoir for human P. carinii.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Morgan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY 14642, USA
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